Latest news with #Hajiji


The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
Sabah sets sail towards recognition as a premier sailing destination
KOTA KINABALU: With its scenic coastline, crystal-clear waters and rich natural beauty, Sabah is poised to become a premier sailing destination. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah's diverse attractions make it an ideal stop for sailing enthusiasts, describing such themed packages as an exciting addition to the state's offerings. 'There is more to Sabah than just Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan. The state is home to over 40 ethnic groups, vibrant cultures, pristine beaches and good marina facilities for boat docking,' he said at the launch of the Dalit Bay Nautica Carnival 2025 in Tuaran on Friday (July 25). More than 100 sailors from 16 countries took part in the event, organised by Sail Malaysia, arriving on 29 boats. Bangkuai, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the event, urged participants to return next year and explore more of Sabah's beauty, especially in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 'While you are here, take a glimpse of what we have to offer. Then come back next year and experience even more of Sabah's unmatched beauty and warm hospitality,' he said. He also highlighted Sabah's renowned eco-tourism spots, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the oldest and largest of its kind, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the only one in the world. Meanwhile, in a speech read by Bangkuai, Hajiji said the presence of international participants proves that Sabah is gaining global recognition in nautical tourism. 'Sabah offers a wide range of sailing experiences and has the potential to emerge as a top sailing destination, thanks to our unspoiled beaches and strategic location,' he said. He added that sailing and nautical tourism can generate significant economic benefits for local communities and help preserve cultural heritage. 'With attractions like Dalit Beach, which overlooks the South China Sea and offers both natural beauty and cultural richness, Sabah has all the makings of a world-class coastal tourism destination,' he said. Hajiji expressed hope that events like the sailing carnival will support Sabah's goal of reaching 3.5 million tourist arrivals this year. 'As Malaysia's second-largest state, Sabah has it all, from deep seas to towering mountains, rich biodiversity, pristine islands, and lush forest reserves. These are treasures cherished by locals and visitors alike,' he said.


Borneo Post
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji to announce Gagasan Rakyat's direction at party AGM
Hajiji speaking to reporters after officiating the Gasak17 information seminar. KOTA KINABALU (July 25): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) president Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is expected to announce the party's direction during its annual general meeting (AGM) on Sunday. 'Just wait for my speech on Sunday,' he told reporters after officiating the party's Gasak17 information seminar here today. He was responding to a question on whether any major resolutions, including the party's future direction, would be revealed at the AGM. Speaking on the closed-door seminar, which gathered around 400 party members, Hajiji said it began with a session involving information chiefs from all party divisions. Hajiji, who is also Chief Minister, urged the party's information machinery to engage with the people and explain Gagasan Rakyat's struggle, as well as the initiatives undertaken by the current government.


Daily Express
8 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Singapore ready to deepen collaboration with Sabah
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Vanu discusses with Hajiji. – Pic by CMD Kota Kinabalu: Singapore is ready to support Sabah through various forms of collaboration, including training, technical expertise sharing, and education, said its High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon. Vanu conveyed this during a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Menara Kinabalu here on Thursday. Hajiji expressed appreciation for Singapore's consistent support in promoting Sabah as a leading investment destination in the region. He also welcomed more investment from the republic and noted the State Government's commitment to strengthening ties. Both parties exchanged views on deepening bilateral cooperation, joined by senior officials from the Sabah Government and the Singapore High Commission. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Gagasan Rakyat urged to step up outreach ahead of state polls
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor ( pic ) has urged Gagasan Rakyat's information machinery to step up outreach efforts ahead of the upcoming State Election. Speaking at the launch of the party's 'Gasak 17 This Is the Time' Information Seminar on Friday, Hajiji called for clearer communication on Gagasan Rakyat's mission and the State Government's achievements. The seminar at the Sabah International Convention Centre marked the start of the three-day Gagasan Rakyat Annual Assembly. Hajiji said the party's information chiefs at all levels must now activate their networks to engage the public more effectively. He also highlighted the role of the party's Women, Youth and Beliawanis wings in ensuring messages reach communities across Sabah. Strong grassroots coordination, he said, would help reinforce public confidence in Gagasan Rakyat and the GRS-led government. Around 400 information chiefs and committee members from 74 party divisions took part in the seminar, which focused on aligning strategies to face current political challenges. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Hajiji to set Sabah polls direction at Gagasan Rakyat AGM on July 27
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor says he will be setting Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah's (Gagasan Rakyat) direction for the state election in his policy speech at its annual general meeting on Sunday (July 27). Giving few hints as to whether his party would push Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to go solo or enter an electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan Harapan in the 17th state election, due by Nov 11, the Gagasan Rakyat president told reporters the answer would come at the AGM. 'Just wait for my speech this Sunday," he said when met on Friday (July 25). The AGM on Sunday is expected to see over 2,000 delegates from 74 divisions in Sabah and Labuan attending. It will be closely watched by the party's coalition partners in GRS, who prefer the local grouping to contest on its own. Observers anticipate Hajiji's speech to indicate to party members if he prefers that GRS continue its electoral arrangements with Sabah Pakatan, in line with creating political stability for the state as well as the federal unity government led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Hajiji, the Sabah Chief Minister, is also expected to indicate the likely dates for the dissolution of the state assembly, which could be in August or closer to the full term of the 16th state assembly in October. Three key components of GRS – Sabah STAR led by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) led by Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, and Usno led by Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia – are pushing for the coalition to go solo amid growing calls for Sabah to regain its autonomous political rights through local parties. However, Hajiji has hinted that he preferred GRS to have a dominant role in any electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan. Another GRS partner, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), is also agreeable to Hajiji's idea of retaining dominance. The Gagasan Rakyat gathering begins on Saturday (July 26) with the Youth, Wanita and Beliawanis meetings. The wings are also expected to state their preference for the upcoming polls, while pushing for younger candidates to be fielded. On Friday, Hajiji officiated the party's closed-door Gasak17 information seminar at the Sabah International Convention Centre here. He asked the information chiefs from all divisions to activate their machinery to explain party objectives, what has been done for the state, and current political issues. He said all levels of the party must disseminate information needed to boost support and answer questions from the ground on arising issues.